Useful Information; Cables - Balanced Or Unbalanced; Balanced Cables; Unbalanced Cables - E-Mu 1616 Owner's Manual

Useful Information

Cables - balanced or unbalanced?

All inputs and outputs on the E-MU Digital Audio System are designed to use either
balanced or unbalanced cables. Balanced signals provide an additional +6dB of gain
on the inputs and are recommended for best audio performance, although unbalanced
cables are fine for most applications. If you're having problems with hum and noise or
just want the best possible performance, use balanced cables.

Balanced Cables

Balanced cables are used in professional studios because they cancel out noise and
interference. Connector plugs used on balanced cables are XLR (3-prong mic connector)
or TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 1/4" phone plugs.
Balanced XLR
Connectors
Balanced 1/4"
TRS Connectors
Unbalanced 1/4"
Connectors
Balanced cables have one ground (shield) connection and two signal-carrying
conductors of equal potential but opposite polarity. There is one "hot" or positive lead,
and a "cold" or negative lead. At any point in time, both conductors are equal in voltage
but opposite in polarity. Both leads may pick up interference, but because it is present
both in and out of phase, this interference cancels out at the balanced input connection.

Unbalanced Cables

Unbalanced cables have one conductor and one ground (shield) and usually connect
via unbalanced 1/4" phone plugs or RCA phono plugs. The shield stays at a constant
ground potential while the signal in the center conductor varies in positive and negative
voltage. The shield completely surrounds the center "hot" conductor and is connected
to ground in order to intercept most of the electrical interference encountered by the
cable. Unbalanced cables are more prone to hum and interference than balanced cables,
but the shorter the cable, the less hum and noise is introduced into the system.
E-MU 1616/1616M CardBus Digital Audio System
1
2 1
3 3
Input Output
1 = Ground/shield
2
2 = (+)
Hot
3 = (-)
Cold
Sleeve = Ground
Tip = Hot (+)
Ring = Cold (-)
Sleeve = Ground
Tip = Signal
6 - Appendix
Useful Information
WARNING: Do NOT
use balanced audio
cables when connecting
balanced outputs to
unbalanced inputs.
Doing so can increase
noise level and introduce
hum. Use balanced
(3-conductor) cables
ONLY if you are
connecting balanced
inputs to balanced
outputs.
105